Salaries at WWU

At Western Washington University (WWU), located in Bellingham, Washington, salary expectations for faculty and staff are typically determined by a combination of factors including role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. Salaries often vary significantly between academic disciplines, with fields like business and STEM generally commanding higher compensation due to market demand. Administrative roles are influenced by the scope of responsibility and seniority. While WWU operates as a public institution and adheres to state guidelines for compensation, specific salary bands or detailed breakdowns for individual positions are not always publicly disclosed in a comprehensive, accessible format on the university's official website. However, general salary information may be available through state public records or collective bargaining agreements for unionized positions.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $60,000–$75,000 USD per year, depending on department and experience. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on research output and teaching evaluations.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $75,000–$90,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see salary growth tied to tenure and publication records.
• Full Professor: Salaries typically range from $90,000–$120,000 USD per year. Seniority, leadership roles, and external funding can push compensation higher.
• Academic Advisor: Salary range is approximately $45,000–$55,000 USD per year. Compensation may vary based on caseload and years of service.
• Department Chair: Typical range is $85,000–$110,000 USD annually, often including stipends for administrative duties on top of base faculty pay.

Salaries at WWU are generally competitive within the context of public universities in the Pacific Northwest, though they may lag behind private institutions or universities in high-cost urban areas. As a public university, WWU's compensation structure is often benchmarked against state and regional standards, with periodic adjustments influenced by state budgets and union negotiations. Faculty and staff can expect gradual salary progression through promotions, tenure, and cost-of-living adjustments, though significant jumps may depend on securing grants or moving into administrative roles. For the most accurate and up-to-date figures, individuals are encouraged to consult official university or state resources, as publicly available data may not always reflect recent changes or individual circumstances.